Tsuruya

[Unforgettable special dumplings made in the continent]

Founded in June 1980, this ramen, gyoza, and champon restaurant is a must-try. We were greeted by the friendly owner and his wife, and the ramen we were given had a simple, comforting taste. They also have other distinctive and popular menu items, such as gyoza with a uniquely thick skin. When we spoke to the owner, he told us that these were special gyoza that were served at his wife’s family ramen shop. His wife has been helping out with the gyoza since she was in elementary school, and said, “When I came home from school, I would put on an apron and wrap the gyoza with my siblings.”

The dumplings are made in the authentic style that the wife’s father learned in Manchuria (now northeastern China). They are all handmade, and the skins are chewy. The garlic-flavored filling cannot be prepared in advance, so the couple still make the dumplings they serve in the restaurant. Even customers who have moved from Yanagawa have not forgotten the taste of these special dumplings, and sometimes they make the trip out of their way to come and eat them. The specialty champon is also popular at lunchtime. A set of plain ramen with five dumplings, rice, salad, pickles, etc. is also popular.

While we were doing our interview, a customer who happened to be there commented, “Everything at this restaurant is delicious.” The warm, homemade menu made it easy to understand why customers want to support the couple’s restaurant.